Learn Physics: Beginner Guide to Mastering Physics

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The discussion focuses on a university student seeking guidance on studying physics, starting from a basic level and progressing to advanced topics. The student has a foundational background in physics, chemistry, and mathematics but feels their math skills are limited. They express a desire for a structured learning path, including essential topics like logarithms, algebra, and classical mechanics. Participants emphasize that physics is vast and branches into various subjects, suggesting that the learning path should align with personal interests. The conversation highlights the importance of selecting the right resources and maintaining a strong motivation for learning.
Etzelaire
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Hi, I am at University studying some languages and I study some others at home by myself. But physics seems very appealing to me and I would really appreciate if someone could make me a little walkthrough of what I should study from my point to the highest point (I know it is way far off but still I like to have definite paths in front of me).
Something like, I do not know, logarithms->algebra->classical laws ->lagrangians->hamiltonians
Some info... I studied physics, chemistry and maths until age 18, so my math got stuck at 2nd grade equations and logarithms. About physics, I studied photoelectric effect, some simple gravitational problem and I don't know how it is said in English but they were problems about throwing an object and calculating its speed, height, force...
Bottom line, I would start nearly from zero but with the correct books and my hunger of knowledge I can get it going. Any help will be appreaciated and if anybody would like to enlighten me with what things to study or what others can be learned as you go on are very welcome. Thanks in advance.
 
There's no highest point. It just branches out into lots of different subjects, like a tree, so it really depends on what you want to do.

Here's one possible set of guidelines:

http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/books.html
 
TL;DR: Jackson or Zangwill for Electrodynamics? Hi, I want to learn ultrafast optics and I am interested in condensed matter physics, ie using ultrafast optics in condensed matter systems. However, before I get onto ultrafast optics I need to improve my electrodynamics knowledge. Should I study Jackson or Zangwill for Electrodynamics? My level at the moment is Griffiths. Given my interest in ultrafast optics in condensed matter, I am not sure which book is better suited for me. If...

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